About the honoree

Lesly Attarian brings more than 35 years of experience in arts and culture, nonprofit management, communications, and fundraising within Philadelphia’s vibrant cultural landscape. She currently serves as the Vice President of Development for Historic Philadelphia, Inc., where she leads fundraising initiatives that support the city’s cherished historical assets. 

Her previous leadership roles include Director of Development and Communications at The Clay Studio, Vice President for External Affairs and Director of Development at the Please Touch Museum, and Community Support Manager at WHYY, Inc., Philadelphia’s public broadcasting station. 

A dedicated advocate for arts and cultural institutions, Lesly has spoken at conferences on topics including marketing, communications, and fundraising. She is also an active member of Philadelphia’s Historic District Semi-Quincentennial Committee. 

Lesly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Radio, Television, and Film from the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University. A proud Temple Owl, she currently serves as Co-President of the Alumni Board of Trustees for Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication, where she has been an engaged member since 2016. Whether mentoring student interns, attending Men’s Basketball games, or connecting with alumni at Homecoming events, Lesly remains deeply connected to her alma mater. 

Raised in Doylestown, PA, Lesly is a long-time resident of the Wissahickon neighborhood in Philadelphia—a city she is passionate about and has devoted her career to enriching.